by nate on Saturday, March 14th, 2009 | Diary, Family, Love, World

(CNN) – Prince William has spoken in depth publicly for the first time about death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, 12 years ago, saying “mummy” is now a hollow word “evoking only memories.”

Prince William was only 15 and his brother Prince Harry 12 when Diana died in a Paris car crash along with Dodi Fayed in 1997.

The Prince made the comment Thursday during a speech to mark his new role as patron of Britain’s Child Bereavement Charity — a group his mother was once involved with.

The British Press Association reported that he told the launch of the charity’s Mother’s Day campaign: “My mother Diana was present at your launch 15 years ago, and I am incredibly proud to be able to continue her support for your fantastic charity, by becoming your royal patron.

“What my mother recognized then — and what I understand now — is that losing a close family member is one of the hardest experiences that anyone can ever endure.

“Never being able to say the word ‘Mummy’ again in your life sounds like a small thing. Tell us what you think about Prince William’s moving comments

“However, for many, including me, it’s now really just a word — hollow and evoking only memories.

“I can therefore wholeheartedly relate to the Mother’s Day campaign as I too have felt — and still feel – the emptiness on such a day as Mother’s Day.”

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Tags: Diana, Dodi Fayed, England, Kingdom, Mother's day, paparazzi, Prince William, Princess Diana, UK